Sodium Ion vs Lithium Ion Battery Capacity (mAh): A Detailed Comparison

Published: 16/09/2025

When it comes to rechargeable batteries, capacity is one of the most important factors to consider. Battery capacity is measured in mAh (milliampere-hour), which tells us how much charge a battery can store and how long it can supply power. In simple terms, a battery with a higher mAh rating can power a device for a longer time.

Table of Content

What is Battery Capacity (mAh)?
Sodium Ion Battery Capacity (mAh)
Lithium Ion Battery Capacity (mAh)
Comparing Sodium Ion vs Lithium Ion Battery Capacity (mAh)
Why Does This Matter?
Conclusion
FAQs

In this article, we will focus on the battery capacity differences between sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries, two popular types in today’s energy storage world. We’ll also discuss how these capacities affect their performance, price, and practical uses.

What is Battery Capacity (mAh)?

Battery capacity (mAh) indicates the total amount of electric charge a battery can hold. For example, a 3000 mAh battery can deliver 3000 milliamps of current for one hour or 1000 milliamps for three hours. This measure is crucial for devices like smartphones, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy storage systems because it directly affects how long the battery lasts before needing a recharge.

Sodium Ion Battery Capacity (mAh)

Sodium-ion batteries are an emerging technology that uses sodium ions to store and release energy. Sodium is more abundant and cheaper than lithium, making sodium-ion batteries attractive for large-scale, low-cost energy storage.

Typical capacity: Sodium-ion batteries currently offer a capacity roughly between 100-150 mAh/g (mAh per gram of active material).
Practical implications: Because sodium ions are larger and heavier than lithium ions, sodium-ion batteries tend to have lower energy density, which means lower mAh capacity per unit weight.
Applications: Sodium ion battery packs are gaining interest for grid storage, backup power banks, and electric vehicles where cost and material abundance are prioritized over compact size.

Lithium Ion Battery Capacity (mAh)

Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant technology in portable electronics and electric vehicles due to their high energy density and excellent capacity.

Typical capacity: Lithium-ion batteries usually deliver around 150-250 mAh/g or higher.
Why higher? Lithium ions are smaller and lighter, allowing more ions to pack into the battery’s electrodes, resulting in higher energy density and greater battery capacity.
Usage: Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones to electric cars because their high capacity supports long usage times and lighter battery packs.

Comparing Sodium Ion vs Lithium Ion Battery Capacity (mAh)

Feature	Sodium Ion Battery	Lithium Ion Battery
Typical Capacity (mAh/g)	100 – 150 mAh/g	150 – 250 mAh/g
Energy Density	Lower (due to heavier ions)	Higher (lighter ions)
Battery Weight for Same Capacity	Heavier or bigger	Lighter and compact
Price	Generally lower	Higher due to lithium scarcity
Best Use Case	Large-scale storage, budget EVs	Portable devices, high-performance EVs
Battery Pack Size	Larger pack needed for same mAh	Smaller pack for same mAh

Why Does This Matter?

The battery capacity affects several practical factors:

Battery pack size and weight: To get the same mAh, a sodium ion battery pack needs to be bigger and heavier compared to a lithium-ion battery pack.
Cost: Sodium-ion batteries tend to be cheaper, but you sacrifice capacity and size.
Energy density: Lithium-ion batteries provide higher energy density, meaning more mAh per unit weight and volume, which is why lithium-ion dominates in smartphones and electric vehicles.
Battery lifespan and efficiency: Capacity also links with battery longevity and efficiency, where lithium-ion technology currently leads.

Conclusion

In simple terms, lithium-ion batteries have a clear advantage in capacity (mAh) due to their higher energy density. This means lithium-ion batteries store more charge in a smaller, lighter package. On the other hand, sodium-ion batteries offer a more affordable alternative, suitable where cost and material availability outweigh the need for compact size or maximum capacity.

If you’re looking for a sodium ion battery pack for a budget-friendly electric vehicle or large-scale battery bank, expect to carry or install a heavier system to get the same power as a lithium ion battery. However, lithium-ion batteries still dominate where weight and battery life are critical, like in smartphones and high-end EVs.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Sodium Ion vs Lithium Ion Battery Capacity (mAh)

Which is better, sodium-ion or lithium-ion battery?

Lithium-ion batteries are generally better due to higher energy density, longer lifespan, and lighter weight. Sodium-ion batteries are cheaper and use more abundant materials but have lower capacity and are bulkier.

How many mAh is a lithium-ion battery?

Lithium-ion battery capacities vary widely, typically ranging from 1000 mAh in small electronics to over 300,000 mAh (300 Ah) in large electric vehicle packs.

Is lithium stronger than sodium?

In terms of chemical reactivity and battery performance, lithium is “stronger” because it has higher energy density and smaller ion size, making it better for compact, high-capacity batteries.

Which one is better, sodium or lithium?

For most applications, lithium is better due to higher capacity and efficiency. Sodium is better for cost-sensitive, large-scale storage where size and weight are less important.